Progesterone and progestogens
Protects the lining of the womb if you still have one. Taken as a capsule, tablet, patch or coil.
Why it matters
If you still have a womb, oestrogen on its own can cause the womb lining to thicken, which raises the risk of womb cancer. A progestogen alongside oestrogen protects against this.
Your options
- Micronised progesterone capsules, taken daily or for part of each month
- Synthetic progestogens as tablets or combined with oestrogen in some patches and tablets
- A hormonal coil, which also provides contraception
Continuous or cyclical?
In perimenopause, many women take a progestogen for part of each month, which usually brings a monthly bleed. After menopause, most switch to taking it every day, which usually means no bleeds. Your doctor will explain which suits you as part of your personalised HRT plan. Our HRT UK guide explains how oestrogen and progestogen fit together, and why one is rarely prescribed without the other if you have a womb.
